The 5KW Brushless Kit featuring a Motenergy brushless motor and a 48V Sevcon Controller that can produce up to 5KW continuous and is often used to replace 10-15hp combustion engines. This system is best for boats up to 6,000 pounds displacement.
All our systems have reverse on-the-fly and contactor disable features. "Brushless" means that the motor does not have brushes that will wear out over time, nor will it be a dangerous source of ignition for on-board gas appliances. Larger boats may require a higher power AC or brushless motor. In the U.S. and Canada, brushed motors are only legal for marine use if onboard appliances and accessories use kerosene or diesel (not propane or gasoline) due to the potential for internal motor arcing.
The controller has a regen feature than can allow current to be put back into the batteries from the spinning prop while under sail. This depends on your sailing speed, prop design, and may not be possible in all applications, but is an adored feature for those who are able to use it.
A Gear Reduction is not always necessary, and largely depends on the size, efficiency, prop style, and desired speed of your vessel. However, due to the high RPM of the brushless motor, we recommend the gear reduction to improve efficiency, provide proper torque, cooling, and help prevent cavitation. A typical reduction is 2:1, but this ratio will depend on the required prop RPM needed to reach hull speed. Ideal reduction will enable the motor to spin your prop at the hull speed RPM of your prop when the motor is spinning at its max RPM. We program the ME1718 in our 5kw kit to spin around 3000 rpm Max, at 48v.
What batteries should you use? Most customers are happy with sealed, deep cycle lead acid, sourced locally to save on shipping. Use 4 in series to get 48v, with a 100 Amp Hour capacity minimum. Larger capacity will give a longer run time.
* Please describe your battery pack so that we can program your motor controller to match - then you won't need to ship it back to us. Minimum battery information includes cell chemistry, amp hour rating, overall pack voltage, series cell count and arrangement.
* If you choose not to use a gear reduction, a thrust bearing in line with the prop shaft is required, since most motors are not rated for axial/thrust loads on the shaft.
* Before you pull your old engine, support the prop shaft for reference so you can properly align the new system.
* A heatsink for the controller is recommended by the manufacturer.
Helpful Links:
Check out our instructional wiring video!
You may also be interested in the CAN Translator
Those of you that are still in the "research phase" of your conversion should visit one of the Electric Boats Discussion Groups and talk to others who are doing or have already done electric conversions.
Sevcon Sailboat Kit Instructions
Sevcon Sailboat Wiring Diagram with ET throttle
Sevcon Sailboat Wiring Diagram with Wigwag throttle
E-Boat Modeling Spreadsheet (.xls) *Use this to calculate your power needs!*
Included Components (may vary based on kW rating and parts availability)
- Motenergy ME1718 Sealed Brushless Motor.
- Controller: 48V Sevcon G4827 (can also be programmed at 36v)
- Throttle options - additional cost (see the Throttle page for details):
- ET-134 directional throttle. If you plan to use an existing throttle lever we recommend the ET-134 as the most robust option. Use the ET Actuator to connect to your existing throttle cable. ET-134 has a Neutral Detent, ET-126 is Spring Return.
- Wigwag throttle lever if not reusing your existing lever
- Sealed Main Contactor
- Key Switch
- 200 Amp Breaker
- Finned Aluminum Heatsink
- Every kit is individually bench tested
- Complete wire harness with 10ft key and throttle cable lengths
- Wiring instructions